WebFeat launched WebFeat Enterprise Edition, a custom, configurable, federated search solution for multilibrary networks. WebFeat Enterprise Edition combines the capabilities of WebFeat's independent library solution with the profiling, authentication tools, and usage tracking required to meet the needs of modern library networks.

WebFeat Enterprise Edition supports all major site authentication methods, including IP and referrer URL, to solve the challenge of discrete multilibrary identification and authentication into the federated system. WebFeat Enterprise Edition also offers networks the ability to set up an infinite number of profiles. These profiles may include different database lists, authentication credentials, and even completely different interface looks and feels. WebFeat Enterprise Edition also offers the ability to seamlessly augment common networkwide database collections with those from individual member libraries. The Enterprise Edition of WebFeat’s SMART usage tracker can report enterprisewide usage or usage by each individual member library.

WebFeat currently serves dozens of major library networks, including 12 statewide networks. WebFeat is used by more than a dozen state library/multi-library networks, including: CARLI – Consortium of Academic Research Libraries in Illinois; GALILEO – Georgia's Virtual Library; INCOLSA – Indiana's Virtual Library; LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network; NOVEL – New York Online Virtual Electronic Library; OPLIN – Ohio Public Library Information Network; SEFLIN – Southeast Florida Library Information Network; and the State Libraries of Arizona, Louisiana, New York, Nevada and Oregon. eiNetwork, a collaboration between the Allegheny County Library Association and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, is the newest member of WebFeat's family of library network systems. eiNetwork, which serves over 80 public libraries in the Pittsburgh and Allegheny County area, has contracted with WebFeat to deliver a custom designed federated search solution that enables its member libraries to simultaneously search more than 115 shared databases through the eiNetwork website.


Ok I get that it is a multilibrary federated search product. What I am wondering about is the profiles and authentication. "WebFeat Enterprise Edition also offers networks the ability to set up an infinite number of profiles. These profiles may include different database lists, authentication credentials, and even completely different interface looks and feels." Just curious about this authentication system and how it could be used in multi hospital library systems (which don't always have the same resources) and whether this could also be used for off site user authentication. Perhaps somebody can enlighten me.